Was there a part that bored or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

How did you feel about the balance between action and romance in the book, and did you think one was more prevalent than the other? *

• Personally, I felt that the action was more prevalent than the romance in the book.
• I thought the balance between action and romance was well done.
• In my opinion, the romance was more prominent than the action in the book.

Did the story effectively capture the essence of the dark mafia genre? *

• Yes, the story effectively captured the essence of the dark mafia genre.
• Somewhat, but it could have explored it even further.
• No, the story did not effectively capture the essence of the dark mafia genre.

Did the story flow smoothly and keep your attention throughout? *

• Yes, the story flowed smoothly and kept my attention throughout.
• The story had its moments of engaging narrative flow, but there were parts that felt slow or disconnected.
• No, the story did not flow smoothly and struggled to keep my attention.

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Killian

Two years later…

With a sigh, I step out of my meeting with one of the Saudi princes that I do business with. I check my phone and see that the time is almost five, and I’m running right on schedule to pick up my wife from her knitting class.

Wife. I still can’t believe it.

I shake my head at myself while smiling. Antonella O’Sullivan has been the brightest light in my life since she entered my world.

I get into my car and start the engine, adjusting my rearview mirror and catching sight of the car seat that had been buckled into the back.

It makes me laugh a little. Despite being almost three months ahead of schedule, Nella’s nesting has kicked in real hard. I didn’t mind while she slowly baby-proofed our entire lives. It gives her a sense of control despite the obvious change that is coming soon.

I can’t wait for it though.

Heading out of the conference center, I make my way downtown to where Nella’s her craft studio is located. She opened it up early last year, right after she secured herself a business loan. I can still remember the day she had come home with the paperwork in her hands, jumping up and down as she explained to me that she’d been approved.

At first, I’d been confused. We didn’t need a business loan to open up a studio for her. I was making millions with Thomas Industries backing me, which could afford us twenty businesses if she wanted.

But seeing the absolutely pride in Nella’s face, hearing how accomplished she felt to do this on her own, I knew exactly why she’d done this. It was for herself. To prove that she could be her own person, her own business owner, and that she wouldn’t have to rely on anyone if she didn’t want to.

I’m so damn proud.

Getting to Nella’s studio, I park outside at the curb and head in.

It was a cute place that she’d gotten, right in the heart of downtown Chicago. The location brings in a ton of foot traffic, as well as parties from the local school next door. It was the perfect place to build a community of crafters from all walks of life.

Nella’s joy for teaching others was palpable. Each time I came to pick her up, I always came a little early so I could watch her move around the room and teach.

I loved seeing my wife so happy, in her element, finally finding something that sparked joy for her and her alone.

I nod to the receptionist who gives me a wink, and I spot Etta standing in the doorway leading into the studio space.

“Hey,” I say to her quietly. She turns to hold her arms out to give me a light hug. I squeeze her gently before releasing her.

“Hey! You here to pick up Nella?”

I nod, taking in the sight of her suitcase at her feet.

“Today the day?”

She looked down at it, nodding with a certain kind of triumph. “Yup, just wanted to say goodbye to Nell before I took off.”

“She’ll like that.”

Etta nudges me, and we both lean into the doorway to watch Nella —who was now at the stage in her pregnancy where she was waddling. When she turns to fix one of the student’s hands, she spots us both.

“Alright class!” she tells the students surrounding her. “That’s all for today! Make sure you gather your supplies and put them back into your cubbyhole before you go!”

Excitedly, they all get up and race over to the cubbies on the other side of the room.

“No running!” Nella puts her hands on her hips.

I snicker to myself.

Etta nudges me. “Soon, you’ll be hearing that every day.”

“I know. I can’t wait. He’s going to be a nightmare.”

Etta laughs at me. “With your genes combined? Most likely.”

Nella heads over to us, putting a hand on her round belly. Her swing dress sways around her ankles, making her look like she’s walking on water. Both Etta and I move away from the doorway, giving her enough room to squeeze past us.

She folds herself into me, hugging me tight.

“Hi!”

I kiss the top of her head. “Hello, my love.”

Etta moves farther back as a few kids filter out into the main lobby to wait for their parents.

I rub Nella’s back. “Did you have a good class?”

She laughs. “Oh yeah. Only one needle in the eye incident this week so far.”

We all laugh together, knowing that that is actually an accomplishment from the usual two a day.

Nella pulls away from me to hug Etta tight in her arms.

“You leaving?”

“Yeah,” her friend rubs her back gently before pulling away. “I wanted to come say goodbye before I left.”

She smiles and rubs her hand over Nella’s belly, her voice becoming more high-pitched.

“And I wanted to say goodbye to my sweet little nephew. Don’t worry! Auntie E will be back with plenty of gifts from New York!”

I shove my hands in my pocket, giving them both an amused look. “Are you excited?”

Etta grins and gives me a thumbs up. “Yup! My apartment is all ready for me to move into. And the Law Firm got back to me and told me that my starting date is Monday.”

Nella smiles at her friend, putting a hand at the top of her belly when our son kicks.

“Is your boss okay with you coming a little early?”

Etta nods. “Yeah, he was a little weird about it on the phone, but I think that’s because he isn’t good with meeting new people.”

I raise a brow. “You can gather all of that from a phone call?”

She winks at me. “Of course. Being a lawyer is all about fleshing out the info, Killian.”

I hold up my hands, surrendering. My expertise is certainly not in upholding the law.

More like breaking it.

“But don’t worry.” Etta kisses Nella’s cheek. “I’ll be back for the holidays.”

My wife nudges her. “You better, or else I’m getting Killian to send people to track you down.”

I smirk. “Legally, I’m obligated to do whatever she tells me.”

Etta laughs at us. “Aww, guys! I feel so loved!”

Nella pulls her into another hug. “You are. Don’t forget that while you’re out there.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

The alarm on Etta’s phone goes off.

“Damn, time already.”

I nod back to the street door. “Let us drop you off at the airport.”

She perks up. “Really?”

Nella grins. “Let me just tell my secretary so that she knows to lock up once all the kids get picked up.”

“Okay!”

I grab Etta’s suitcase and head out the door with her in tow, nodding to Nella’s secretary again before pushing the doors open and stepping out onto the busy street. Etta moves past me and grabs the door to the backseat of my car, holding it open for me.

I thank her and shove the suitcase inside, pushing it over to the opposite door and nod for her to get in.

“Thanks, Cecelia!” I hear Nella say from behind me. “I’ll see you tomorrow!”

Etta climbs into my car, tucking her legs in so that I can shut the door behind her. I pat her side and grab a hold of the passenger door, opening it for my wife. She puts her hand on my chest and leans forward to kiss me.

“Thank you, my love.”

I smile against her lips. “Anything for you.”

She laughs softly, knowing exactly what I meant.

Anything for her, I would do.

Anything for our unborn son, I would do.

Anything at all that either of them asked me, I would do with my whole heart.

For the future of my wife and my soon-to-be-born son… I can’t imagine anything could make me prouder.

I give Nella one more kiss before helping her into the car. She looks up at me with her dark brown eyes, so full of love and devotion for me.

“I love you, Killian O’Sullivan.”

“I love you more, Antonella O’Sullivan.”

She laughs and yanks the door, shutting it herself.

I shake my head in amusement.

God, I love this woman.

And I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.